Stroke is a loss of brain functions accompanied with neurological disorders that do not subside within 24 hours. It is due to a lack of blood supply which causes an infarction of the affected tissue or due to a hemorrhage.
It is important what the exact cause is, because in cerebral infarction the tissue is already damaged and the symptoms are less likely to disappear, where as in a hemorrhage the blood might be absorbed or surgically removed which would decrease the pressure on the brain tissue which is actually responsible for part of the symptoms.
The risk for recurring stroke is highest within the first few weeks and months. The risk is about 14% in the first year and about 5% thereafter. This increases to 40% if a previous transient ischemic attack is included as a risk for stroke. You might want to visit a neurologist for more detailed information about a stroke prognosis.
As for quitting smoking, there are a great number of pills that might help you to quit smoking. Certain of them are chemical substances that attach to certain receptors in the brain, thus competing with nicotine. Others are herbal extracts that try to mimic the presence of nicotine in the body, thus decreasing the urge for smoking.
You might want to visit your family doctor for more information about available “stopping smoking” pills in your area.
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